All entries tagged with “RIP”

Mary Cantrell, Manatee School Board Member, Dies

Posted by Jacob Ogles on Monday Jul 13, 2015 10:34 am

Mary Cantrell, a sitting Manatee County School Board member and the 18-year director of Manatee Technical College, died this weekend at a Hospice facility in PInellas County. Cantrell was elected to the School Board in November.

Superintendent Diane Greene and School Board Chairman Robert Gause released the following statement on Cantrell's passing:

“Dr. Mary Cantrell spent close to five decades as a professional educator, including 18 years as the Director of Manatee Technical College, although it was known for most of her tenure as Manatee Technical Institute. Her passion for technical, career and adult education and her devotion to excellence among students and staff transformed MTC into one of the premier technical educational centers in the nation. Her enthusiasm and pursuit of achievement began the tradition that has resulted in MTC students winning more medals at the national SkillsUSA competition than any other technical school in the country – a streak that has recently been extended to 11-straight years.

“Since November 2014, Dr. Cantrell served as an elected member of the School Board of Manatee County. Although her time on the School Board was short, she was a contributing member and as always she was devoted to the education of the students she loved.

“The main hall at the beautiful new MTC campus on State Road 70 is named in Dr. Cantrell’s honor, and it is a fitting tribute to help us remember and follow the legacy she has left behind. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.” 

Kathy Baylis, EDC founding president, Dies

Posted by Jacob Ogles on Monday Feb 16, 2015 2:28 pm

Kathy Baylis, founding executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, has died following a years-long battle with cancer. She was 67. Baylis ushered the creation of the economic development agency, retiring in 2010 to address her health concerns. In in years since, she had continued in consulting capacity with a number of organizations, including The Patterson Foundation, which confirmed her death. 

Baylis worked on EDC issues before there was an EDC, working at The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce as vice president of economic development. Between 1999 and 2004, she worked with business leaders, notably the late John Cox, to help establish an independent entity to address the recruitment of new businesses and assist in the expansion of existing ones.

During a lengthy interview about the history of the EDC, she told SRQ Magazine that the idea was at first controversial, but grew in momentum. “We started getting people who hadn’t worked together before. It was very rewarding and everyone was excited about it.” In 2004, she helped oversee the creation of the first strategic plan for the EDC, a documented which she also helped update in a comprehensive process in 2009. Along the way, she proved instrumental in the establishment of an incentives program through Sarasota County, including a successful campaign for the passage of a property tax to fund incentives.

During her time with the EDC, the agency attracted such companies as Boar’s Head while assisting companies like Tervis and PGT with facilities expansion in the region.

Former Superintendent Gene Witt Dies

Posted by Jacob Ogles on Thursday Feb 5, 2015 3:55 pm

School officials in both the Sarasota County School District and Manatee County School District today confirmed the death of former Superintendent of Schools Gene Witt. 

“I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Gene Witt," said Manatee superintendent Rick Mills. "Although I did not get a chance to know Mr. Witt well, I am very aware of the lasting legacy he leaves behind... Mr. Witt touched and shaped thousands of lives and careers. From what I have learned about him, he will long be remembered for his personal character and integrity. We are proud that Gene Witt Elementary School will continue to keep his memory alive for generations to come.”

“In Sarasota County, as in Manatee County, we were all so blessed to experience Gene Witt’s genuine devotion, love and caring for our students, staff and community," said Sarasota Superintendent Lori White. "My colleagues and I had the good fortune to work with and learn from him during his three stints as interim superintendent. We’re very grateful that he provided needed continuity of leadership during those years. He will be sorely missed.”

Witt served as the Manatee district's superintendent from 1983 to 1994. He also served as interim superintendent of Sarasota County Schools in 1995-96, 1999 and 2003-04. 

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